Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I finally went to a local pond known for its Wood Ducks yesterday morning for the first time this winter. When I walked down to the pond the main observation deck was already occupied by four pairs of Wood Ducks perched on the railings. I ended up shooting them on the railing for 15-20 minutes before they decided it was time to get int he water.
Specific Feedback
I probably should have used two exposures on this shot and blended them as the reflection off the top of the rail was very bright and in order to keep from blowing it out the ducks were quite underexposed. I’m not wholly satisfied with the tonality I achieved when I brought them up. Note that I also cheated a trifle on this image as the ducks were actually a bit further apart and it just wasn’t working as a composition, so I took a slice out of the middle and blended the border between them.
Technical Details
Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 840 mm, monopod with gimbal head, f/9, 1/400, iso 2500. Processed in DxO PureRaw 5, PS & LR CC. Cropped to 6528x4355.
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! My genuine first impressions was, “What wonderful creatures.” I’ve never seen ducks with their heads on backwards. All kidding aside, this looks great to me, especially the full spectrum of colors in their feathers and the head of the male. Your blending looks seamless and a good idea to bring them closer. Top notch effort IMO. 